I thought it was ok. Rather in the B TV arena. It was not a feature film, nor HBO, nor a great made for TV movie, IMHO. Like a light, summer read....it was ok, and entertained me. The people I watched with did not know anything about polygamy. They got lost with the jumping from the YFZ looking people and the BY era cuts, had too many questions about it, but not interested enough to be outraged and research the subject. The only thing that really bothered them was it really goes on and not much is done to stop it.
I thought the portrayal of BY was a little insipid and snively. I picture BY to be a much more domineering, arrogant and forceful man.
Queenie's character seemed to have more freedom than I imagine exists in that community.
I liked the way the mother was shown to hang on to her faith in spite of the way her son was kicked out, she was degraded by her husband, and the prophet was shown to be a scoundrel. The brain washing runs deep.
Still there was plenty there for a curious TBM to Google.
My favorite part is the reference to "The 19th Wife" and I look forward to watching the rest.
When the lost boy who came back to help his mother get out of jail, he said he got help from regular Mormons. However, shining a light on polygamy can't make TSCC look good historically.
the first time I wanted to watch it with hubby but decided I should watch it first just in case.
I think the Jordan character when describing that he got help from the mainstream LDS church said either "true mormons" or "real mormons." That irked me a little since if you want to be technical, these people (FLDS) are more like the original church but whatever.
Queenie and Sarah/Five were much too freethinking to be real FLDS women. I remember seeing the Oprah episode where she went to the YFZ ranch and they were all so smiley and sweet. The fact that Queenie's husband "let" her drive and talk on the phone and she even said "I love you" to Jordan and all he did was frown a bit? Yeah, I don't think that would happen.
They didn't really go into Word of Wisdom stuff. Five was working at a coffee shop and even after recognizing each other there was no reference to not drinking any coffee.
Oh and Queenie, when leaving, cut her hair and put on a miniskirt and was like "bye." For some reason I imagine that it would be much harder to leave than that.
I did like the fact that the police and the lawyer were all members and were doing their best to keep it all on the inside.
And what is this about "sister wives" on TLC? I've not heard of this show yet. Is it a done deal and if so, when can we expect to see it on the air?